Categories

Meta

Vienna

I’m finally beginning to settle a bit more here in Vienna, where I’ve been living for about a month. Things have been hectic, crazy, and wonderful. I’m falling in love with this city — I’m a 20 minute metro ride to Stephansplatz, where you step off the train to the sight of massive Stephansdom, where Mozart and Constanze got married, and the bustle of life in the city center. All the shops and restaurants in this area are in buildings of 1700’s-era architecture… even the McDonald’s (no joke!). There are music shops galore and tourist shops that feature items from shot glasses to wall clocks, all with Mozart’s face plastered on them. Around the corner, you can buy real sachertorte from the Sacher Hotel, or if tasty gelato is more your style, you can get that, too.

I think I’ve found my heaven.

Last week, we opened our run of Die Hochzeit des Figaro (aka Le Nozze di Figaro, aka The Marriage of Figaro… in Austria and Germany, I’m learning everything should be performed auf Deutsch). I’m working with fantastic singers and orchestra musicians. I’m also in the unique situation of living with several of my coworkers! It feels very home-y here, and it’s nice to work and live with such talented musicians who also happen to be great people.

I plan to post updates much more frequently than I have over the past couple months; now that the dust has settled a bit (and my visa application has been approved!), I’ll have more time to dedicate to writing about my experience here.

One of the things that strikes me most about Vienna is that the people are extremely friendly and willing to help (I made this observation to a Viennese coworker who said, “Really?!” and laughed, but it has truly been my experience!)

Even applying for my visa was pretty pain-free. Granted, I had taken the time to make sure all my documents were present and organized, plus I took my German-fluent boyfriend with me to help translate things I couldn’t say, but still— it’s nice to know what’s involved with this expat process, because there’s really a ton!

Anyway, here’s a pic of me in my costume from last night’s performance. The audience was fun and responsive! It helped that Mozart really slayed comic opera during his time…

Apologies for the poor quality of the photo… had to take it with an iPhone because I didn’t have my camera!